49ers’ Linebacker Patrick Willis Expected to Be Healthy Week 1

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images(SANTA CLARA, Calif.) — While the San Francisco 49ers have dealt with injuries to their offense during the offseason, they’re getting healthier on the defensive side of the ball as linebacker Patrick Willis is expected to be a full-go in the regular season opener.

A month after breaking his right hand, Willis wore a glove instead of a cast during Wednesday’s practice, which is an encouraging sign for the Pro Bowler. Willis hurt his hand during a one-on-one blocking drill with fullback Bruce Miller.

Hand issues are nothing new to Willis, but they haven’t stopped him from getting on the field.

Dating back to his college football days at Mississippi, Willis has played with a cast on his hand three times.

“I really feel if I’m on the field, I can’t let it affect my play. No excuses.” Willis told the San Jose Mercury News.

“They say it takes eight weeks for a bone to heal great, and this will be five weeks since my surgery, and the doctor says it looks good,” he added.